Gigging musician here in southern Cal. Business has been good since the COVID downturn. What we can realistically charge has not adjusted to inflation at all. We all walk away with $100-200 per gig, like we did in 1980, so it really can’t be more than a hobby for most, barely paying for gas sometimes. The pay off is the fun and the audie…
Gigging musician here in southern Cal. Business has been good since the COVID downturn. What we can realistically charge has not adjusted to inflation at all. We all walk away with $100-200 per gig, like we did in 1980, so it really can’t be more than a hobby for most, barely paying for gas sometimes. The pay off is the fun and the audience enjoyment. Great hobby that lets you help a room full of people forget their troubles for an hour or two.
I will say that when I go to see really good touring bands and talk with them, it is really tough out there right now. Great bands playing for 70 people at a local venue, fewer than my cover bands play for. Tours canceled halfway because they can’t move enough tix. And these are really excellent bands you could hear on Spotify or YT right now.
we've been joking about the 30th anniversary of the 100$ gig now for at least the past 5 or more years... i'm on vancouver island where there are less gigs to be had too..
I think much of this is on target. While established touring acts can leverage economies of scale and make “generational money,” the grind to make it to as a touring act that can make a livable wage (generously speaking, the 1000+ size clubs/theatres)really takes its toll on some talented, deserving performers, whose passion (literal meaning: suffering) will not be enough to sustain their art.
Gigging musician here in southern Cal. Business has been good since the COVID downturn. What we can realistically charge has not adjusted to inflation at all. We all walk away with $100-200 per gig, like we did in 1980, so it really can’t be more than a hobby for most, barely paying for gas sometimes. The pay off is the fun and the audience enjoyment. Great hobby that lets you help a room full of people forget their troubles for an hour or two.
I will say that when I go to see really good touring bands and talk with them, it is really tough out there right now. Great bands playing for 70 people at a local venue, fewer than my cover bands play for. Tours canceled halfway because they can’t move enough tix. And these are really excellent bands you could hear on Spotify or YT right now.
we've been joking about the 30th anniversary of the 100$ gig now for at least the past 5 or more years... i'm on vancouver island where there are less gigs to be had too..
I think much of this is on target. While established touring acts can leverage economies of scale and make “generational money,” the grind to make it to as a touring act that can make a livable wage (generously speaking, the 1000+ size clubs/theatres)really takes its toll on some talented, deserving performers, whose passion (literal meaning: suffering) will not be enough to sustain their art.
That said, I hope Ted’s vision comes to fruition.